Rizwan X, Ramdass PVAK. Mind over mattress: Why beliefs about sleep can make or break a medical student. World J Psychiatry 2026; 16(8): 114838 [DOI: 10.5498/wjp.114838]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Prakash V A K Ramdass, MD, Professor, Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, St. George’s University School of Medicine, University Centre Grenada, Chancellor Modica Campus, True Blue, St. George 10001, Grenada. prakash.ramdass@gmail.com
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Psychiatry
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editorial
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Rizwan X, Ramdass PVAK. Mind over mattress: Why beliefs about sleep can make or break a medical student. World J Psychiatry 2026; 16(8): 114838 [DOI: 10.5498/wjp.114838]
World J Psychiatry. Aug 19, 2026; 16(8): 114838 Published online Aug 19, 2026. doi: 10.5498/wjp.114838
Mind over mattress: Why beliefs about sleep can make or break a medical student
Xenab Rizwan, Prakash V A K Ramdass
Xenab Rizwan, Prakash V A K Ramdass, Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, St. George’s University School of Medicine, University Centre Grenada, St. George 10001, Grenada
Author contributions: Rizwan X designed the overall concept, outline, and manuscript design; led the writing, contributed to the discussion, contributed to the review of the literature, created the image; Ramdass PVAK designed the overall concept, outline, and manuscript design, contributed to the discussion, contributed to the review of the literature, edited the manuscript. All authors approved the final version to be published.
AI contribution statement: Grammarly and Microsoft Editor were used. The entire manuscript was checked by these tools. The tools were used for language polishing and grammar corrections.
Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
Corresponding author: Prakash V A K Ramdass, MD, Professor, Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, St. George’s University School of Medicine, University Centre Grenada, Chancellor Modica Campus, True Blue, St. George 10001, Grenada. prakash.ramdass@gmail.com
Received: October 1, 2025 Revised: February 25, 2026 Accepted: May 14, 2026 Published online: August 19, 2026 Processing time: 296 Days and 11 Hours
Abstract
This editorial discusses the compelling findings of Altınöz et al published in the current issue of the World Journal of Psychiatry, which reveal that the connection between sleep beliefs and academic success is all in the mind-not in the number of hours spent in bed. Their study demonstrates that dysfunctional beliefs about sleep do not directly lower medical students’ grades; instead, they erode academic performance indirectly by degrading sleep quality. This effect is particularly pronounced in evening-type students (night owls), whose natural rhythms clash with academic schedules, making them uniquely vulnerable to the negative impact of these sleep-related cognitive distortions. The research argues that the path to better grades and well-being for medical students requires a shift in focus from mere sleep quantity to sleep psychology, advocating for cognitive-behavioral interventions that target maladaptive beliefs to improve both rest and results.
Core Tip: For medical students, the belief that sleep is expendable is a critical academic liability. Research shows dysfunctional sleep beliefs-not just poor sleep habits-indirectly undermine grades by degrading sleep quality. This is especially damaging for “night owls”, whose biology clashes with academic schedules, fueling a cycle of anxiety and poor rest. The solution requires a paradigm shift from preaching sleep hygiene to targeting maladaptive psychology with cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia and institutional reforms that accommodate chronotype diversity. Ultimately, it is the mind, not just the mattress, that dictates academic success.
